- A Limited-Edition Mustang Mach 1 will join the New Zealand Ford Mustang 2021 line-up with the first ever factory-built right-hand drive program from North America, delivering a unique heritage model that pays homage to the legendary 1969 original
- New Zealand will get a limited number of Mustang Mach 1 units nationally, with customers able to secure their individual unit though a dedicated online reservation process over the coming weeks, before delivery at their preferred Ford dealership upon arrival in 2021
- October 14 is the 73rd anniversary of Chuck Yeager’s historic flight in the Bell X-1, in which he became the first pilot to break the sound barrier – Mach 1 – which became the inspiration for the upgraded Mustang model in 1969 through to 1974
- The Mustang is the best-selling sports car in New Zealand with on-track success including two consecutive Supercars titles including Bathurst 2019 victory
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 14 October 2020 – Seventy-three years ago today over Rogers Dry Lake in Southern California, the world flew faster than ever before with the first-ever sound barrier-breaking flight. Mission accomplished: Mach 1 was achieved. Seventy-three years later, the thirst for speed is quenched again. Mach 1 has returned as a truly global model and will join the Ford Mustang line-up in New Zealand for the first time in 2021.
“Achieving Mach 1 for the first time was a significant human feat,” said Simon Rutherford, Managing Director, Ford New Zealand. “That spirit and determination to keep pushing, never settling and always trying to go further is what the Mach 1 Mustang was all about – and it’s fitting that we can bring our customers, who’ve made Mustang part of our motoring landscape, a 2021 Mustang Mach 1 of their very own.”
The iconic Mach 1 model, which first went on sale in North America in 1969, will be offered in New Zealand in 2021 with the first ever factory right-hand drive model produced at the legendary Flat Rock, Michigan, plant.
In another New Zealand Mustang first, customers will be able to secure their own 2021 Mustang Mach 1 online at Ford.co.nz through a bespoke reservation program with details to be confirmed in the coming weeks. The process gives customers the ability to secure one of the limited examples set for New Zealand from the comfort of their own home, via their smartphone or other device.
Mustang Mach 1 brings a new pinnacle of naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 pony car performance. Following the lead of the original 1969 Mustang Mach 1 that bridged the gap between the Mustang GT and Shelby models, the all-new Mach 1 delivers additional V8 power, driver-focused cockpit and a track-focused upgrades above the Mustang GT.
Since its arrival in New Zealand in December 2015, the Ford Mustang has become the best-selling sports car in New Zealand and has seen a passionate customer base for special edition models, including Mustang BULLITT which was sold out before arriving.
Additionally, Mustang became the choice for Ford Performance global racing programs in 2019, which saw Mustang spread to NASCAR, GT4, NHRA and, in Australia, the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, where it has won the 2019 and 2020 Manufacturers Titles for Ford.
The Mach 1 will be offered alongside the Mustang 2.3L High Performance and Mustang GT in 2021, with New Zealand specification and pricing to be announced closer to launch.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services. Ford employs approximately 188,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com
